Shropshire steel firm secures network place

Fabweld Steel Products is now listed on Achilles UVDB – an online community that enables utilities to manage supply chain risk and comply with EU regulations.

The firm, which is based in Madeley, Telford, will now be able to share its capabilities in key business areas, such as health and safety and compliance, on the online platform.

More than 1,000 buyers from in excess of 40 UK utilities companies use Achilles to find suitably qualified suppliers.

It works to ensure suppliers' information is accurate via data validation, and desktop and physical audits.

Several buying organisations also use the community as an approved mechanism for tendering for contracts above and below EU threshold contracts – streamlining the procurement process.

Fabweld managing director Richard Hilton said: "This is a very exciting development for Fabweld as it enables us to have a shop window that can be seen by organisations that may need our services.

"The recent accreditation we have gained allows us to demonstrate to utilities via Achilles that we can be part of the supply chain and help businesses meet their legal obligations.

"Joining this platform is part of our growth strategy that we hope will expand our business by 25 per cent during the next year."

Tom Grand, regional director for Achilles in the UK and Ireland, added: "By joining the biggest utilities supply chain risk management community in the UK, Fabweld has put itself in the best position to be considered for work with UK utility buyers."

The firm, which holds a British Standards mark, recently became one of the first of its kind to gain the prestigious EU approved BS EN1090 certification.

A company involved in steel fabrication for construction or building cannot legally carry on its business without meeting the BS EN 1090 standards under European law.

It also allows products to be CE marked and illustrates to suppliers that it meets strict regulations in the preparation and quality of products.